NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’
23 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
John 1:30 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
22 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’
21 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’
30 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
"Here he is, God's Passover Lamb! He forgives the sins of the world! This is the man I've been talking about, 'the One who comes after me but is really ahead of me.'
33 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'This is He on behalf of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.'
26 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
23 words
KJV
22 words
ESV
21 words
NLT
30 words
MSG
33 words
NASB
26 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for John 1:30?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers John 1:30 in 6 translations: New International Version, King James Version, English Standard Version, New Living Translation, The Message, New American Standard Bible. Each uses a different translation philosophy — from word-for-word (KJV, ESV, NASB) to thought-for-thought (NIV, NLT) to paraphrase (MSG).
Which translation of John 1:30 is best?
No single translation is "best" — it depends on your purpose. For deep study, use the ESV or NASB (word-for-word). For devotional reading, the NIV balances accuracy and readability. The NLT and MSG are excellent for understanding the general meaning in modern English. Comparing multiple translations helps grasp the full richness of the text.
What is the difference between literal and dynamic Bible translations?
Literal (formal equivalence) translations like KJV, ESV, and NASB translate word-for-word from the original Hebrew/Greek. Dynamic equivalence translations like NIV and NLT translate thought-for-thought for clarity. The MSG is a paraphrase that captures the spirit in contemporary language. Each approach has strengths — that's why comparing translations is valuable.